Dispute Resolution: Poland

THE FIRM Sources are unanimous in their respect for this first-class practice. The team covers a range of litigation cases and also excels in domestic and international arbitration. Key highlights include acting for Royal Unibrew on proceedings regarding minority shareholder rights.

Sources say: "Exceptional commercial awareness, responsiveness and understanding of our business." "Hard to find a local counsel that could meet our high standards in the same way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Bartosz Kruzewski is "a great litigator; he is extremely pragmatic and calm in difficult cases," say sources. He recently assisted a committee of Elektrim bondholders with ad hoc proceedings regarding a dispute over the repayment of bonds.

THE FIRM This team draws praise for its outstanding expertise and significant experience in a wide range of disputes. It recently advised Elektrim and its main shareholder Zygmunt Solorz-Zak on settling a long-running dispute with Vivendi and Deutsche Telekom concerning the ownership of 48% shares in PTC.

Sources say: "A key market competitor." "Exceptionally talented lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dariusz Skuza leads the litigation practice and is widely perceived as "a top-notch adviser with incomparable experience." 

Market observers highlight Andrzej Szlezak as "a highly regarded arbitrator."

Stanislaw Soltysinski is a senior member of the team who provides advice on a strategic level and is still visibly active in international arbitration.

THE FIRM Dispute resolution has long been a core area of practice at this firm, and it remains a dominant market player. The team covers a broad range of litigation and arbitration matters, and recent highlights include advising a Danish telecoms equipment producer on proceedings relating to the recognition of a foreign arbitration award in Poland.

Sources say: "An absolute number-one." "Excellent brand and strong lawyers." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tomasz Wardynski is the founding partner of the firm and still assists the team at a high level. He principally sits as arbitrator on a variety of Polish and international arbitrations.

Monika Hartung is co-head of the dispute resolution and arbitration department. She is noted for her long-standing experience in commercial disputes.

Konrad Grotowski is well known for his expertise in litigation and bankruptcy proceedings.

THE FIRM This firm has cemented its market-leading position with some recent additions to the dispute resolution team. It is highly active in construction disputes and also handles white-collar crime matters. The group recently advised Skanska on a EUR27 million dispute concerning a multi-purpose development in Poland, and acted for BRE Bank on a class action regarding the improper modifications of interest rates under mortgage loans.

Sources say: "Impressive experience and knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources applaud group leader Pawel Pietkiewicz for his "outstanding communication skills and decisive approach." He "created a leading force," acknowledge peers.

Pawel Samborski is noted for his "reliability and broad knowledge of the construction business." 

Sources say that Michal Subocz stands out for his "excellent organisation skills." 

THE FIRM This four-partner team impresses clients with its responsiveness and results-driven approach. Recent highlights include acting for minority shareholders on international arbitration and litigation proceedings with Dębica and its majority shareholder, Goodyear. The team also represented Vivendi in the EUR2 billion dispute over the ownership of controlling shares in Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa.

Sources say: "They are extremely trustworthy and always available."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients and peers alike agree that Piotr Nowaczyk is "one of the most prominent arbitrators in Poland." He is extremely active in international arbitration and is one of the key arbitrators in the CEE region.

THE FIRM This sizeable group is praised as a strong local player, and is regularly seen on instructions by the Polish state. It notably represented the Capital City of Warsaw in arbitration against a private company that is part of the ING Group.

Sources say: "A great team with highly knowledgeable lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jozef Palinka is recommended for his "effectiveness and solid advice." He has recently led arbitrations and litigation in civil, manufacturing and energy cases.

Paweł Lewandowski is well versed in litigious matters and is "a pleasure to work with," say commentators. His latest highlights include acting for Multikino on a dispute against an ING Group subsidiary concerning a cinema complex.

Grzegorz Domański is highly regarded for his extensive experience. He is an accomplished academic and a leading light in the Warsaw business community.

THE FIRM This team maintains a steady flow of dispute resolution instructions, and is well known for its expertise and significant experience in IP litigation and product liability. It predominantly acts for domestic clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Renowned adviser Andrzej Tomaszek heads the department here and is highly regarded for his IP expertise. 

Zbigniew Drzewiecki is experienced in litigation matters, and comes recommended for his expertise in real estate and capital markets. 

THE FIRM Sources commend this team for its client-friendly approach and gifted advisers. It is notably active in construction arbitration, and recently acted for a Polish developer on a EUR40 million damages action against a Warsaw municipality regarding improper handling of a building permit procedure. The team also advised the Polish government on a dispute with Eureko, concerning the privatisation of PZU.

Sources say: "Impressive reliability in urgent matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Wojciech Sadowski is praised for his "excellent drafting skills and arbitration expertise," and is considered by many to be a growing force in the disputes market.

Maciej Jamka is "an adroit and extensively experienced litigator," confirm sources. He is well versed in acting for public bodies and international corporations. 

Interviewees describe Rafal Morek as "a rising star of the firm," saying he has "significant potential."  

THE FIRM This group is recommended for its high-quality dispute resolution advice. It is experienced in a wide range of related matters, including corporate disputes, non-performance of contracts, tort liability and white-collar crime. The team recently advised Deutsche Telekom on the settlement agreement regarding shareholder rights in Polska Telefonia Cyfrowa.

Sources say: "A well-known team with excellent lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees confirm that Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski is "a reputable practitioner" who is experienced in contentious as well as tax matters.

Tomasz Studnicki is noted as "a highly capable adviser." He is also well known for his expertise in corporate matters. 

THE FIRM This talented team continues to advise on a wide range of dispute resolution matters, including commercial, civil, administrative and labour disputes before both common courts and arbitration tribunals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anna Diaby is the key contact here, and market commentators say she is "making steady progress."

THE FIRM This able group is noted for its pragmatic and thorough approach. Notable highlights include assisting Polish vodka manufacturer V&S Luksusowa Zielona Góra as an intervening party with the PLN20 million international arbitration dispute between WYBOROWA and Adamba Imports International.

Sources say: "I value the lawyers' way of thinking and broad knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Sylwester Pieckowski acted for First Title Insurance and KBC Bank in EUR1.2 million freezing injunction proceedings. The team benefits from his US experience, and he is "extremely responsive and passionate about the cases he is working on," say clients.

THE FIRM This team has a wide-ranging disputes practice and notable international reach. It is currently undergoing a period of change since the departure of Pawel Pietkiewicz and his team to White & Case.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Malgorzata Surdek leads the department and is the main point of contact for clients.

THE FIRM This firm is well known for advising financial institutions such as BNP Paribas Bank Polska, ING Bank Slaski and Bank Zachodni WBK. In recent highlights, the team represented Bank Millennium in negotiations and disputes relating to foreign exchange options offered to clients by the bank, and advised BRE Bank on disputes regarding foreign exchange derivatives. Sources appreciate how the group can focus on the big picture.

Sources say: "Extremely helpful and technically gifted."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the arbitration department, Marek Furtek is noted by sources as "an excellent lawyer." He acted as co-arbitrator on EUR24 million arbitration proceedings between the State Treasury and a major company in the energy sector.

Anna Cudna-Wagner leads the litigation practice at the firm. Her expertise in competition and antitrust matters is a valuable addition to her disputes practice.

Since publication, Anna Cudna-Wagner has joined Linklaters

THE FIRM On May 15th 2012 the entire team from Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in Warsaw joined Greenberg Traurig, and commenced operations under the name Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak. The Warsaw outpost of Greenberg Traurig is its first in Eastern Europe. All clients and work highlights mentioned in our editorial took place whilst the firm was operating as Dewey & LeBoeuf.

This three-partner group has been busy of late with a broad range of contentious matters. Highlights include advising PKN Orlen on USD250 million ICC Court of Arbitration proceedings against Yukos International UK, and representing KS Widzew Lodz in a dispute with the Polish Football Association. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Group head Andrzej Wysokinski assisted Nordea Bank Polska with arbitration proceedings in Poland. He is well known for his advice in the field of banking, finance and restructuring.  

THE FIRM This team is unanimously regarded as a leader in the telecoms sector. It recently assisted the National Chamber of Commerce for Electronics and Telecommunications with a dispute over the validity of the tender procedure for the UMTS frequency for P4.

Sources say: "They are doing a great job and are client-focused."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Krystian Szostak heads the practice and is the main contact for clients.

THE FIRM This team attracts clients from a wide range of industries, including finance, telecoms and infrastructure. Notable names include BRE Bank Hipoteczny, Deutsche Bank PBC, Deutsche Telekom and Vattenfall Poland. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrzej Kubas is noted for his experience in arbitration as well as corporate and commercial law.

THE FIRM This one-partner team is praised for its skill at both a national and international level. It recently represented the Republic of Poland in the EUR2.5 billion multiparty settlement between Vivendi, Vivendi Telecom International, Deutsche Telekom, the Minister of the Polish State Treasury, Elektrim, Elektrim's bondholders and its majority shareholder, Zygmunt Solorz-Zak.

Sources say: "The lawyers are hard-working, understand our business needs, and are very experienced."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team head Zbigniew Kruczkowski is "a well-known litigator," say sources. He was part of the team advising Telekomunikacja Polska on the USD433 million challenge against enforcement in Poland of a partial award issued by the Arbitral Tribunal in Vienna. 

THE FIRM This team has been highly active on energy-related matters of late. It recently advised J&S Energy on EUR22.5 million administrative proceedings for the reimbursement of interest paid on a PLN462 million fine imposed by the Material Reserves Agency for not fulfilling obligations under the Act on Oil Reserves.

Sources say: "Thorough and responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight department head Andrzej Miklas as "a talented litigator." His broad experience includes acting as advocate for both listed companies and public bodies. 

Interviewees agree that Jaroslaw Kolkowski is "always available and highly knowledgeable." He advised Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) on arbitration proceedings concerning a dispute regarding international electricity sales worth EUR156 million.

THE FIRM This prominent team is acknowledged for its extensive experience in class actions and telecoms regulatory litigation. It notably acted for the State Treasury on a EUR250 million arbitration dispute with AWSA.

Sources say: "Timely co-operation, in-depth analysis and broad expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Henryk Romanczuk is noted by observers for his many years of experience in litigation. He advised the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways on a dispute with Alpine Bau.

THE FIRM Despite its compact size, this practice is noted for providing consistently high-quality advice. Key highlights include representing Telewizja Polska before the New York District Court in a USD22.5 million dispute over an excusive licence to broadcast. The team also advised Qubus Hotel Management on a dispute with the Warsaw Municipality, concerning planned hotel investment.

Sources say: "Always does a great job." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Krzysztof Kycia is "an extremely creative litigator with business understanding." 

THE FIRM This team is noted for its solution-driven approach and deep understanding of the market. Clients include local subsidiaries of French companies as well as regional names. Recent workload has included civil, criminal, tax and administrative proceedings.

Sources say: "Its advice is tailored to our needs." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Piotr Sadownik as "a customer-focused and gifted negotiator."

THE FIRM This practice comes recommended for its problem-solving skills. Recent highlights include assisting Optimus with a dispute with ABC Data, and acting for Multikino on a court dispute with Portfolio Real Estate 13 regarding lease termination. 

Sources say: "Timely advice, responsiveness and knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michał Kozłowski and Monika Śmigielska are key contacts for the practice area.

THE FIRM Increased market visibility and enthusiastic client feedback propel this firm into the rankings this year. It advises on a wide range of matters, including arbitration, proceedings before courts of all instances, administrative proceedings and interim relief proceedings.

Sources say: "A trustworthy adviser."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bartłomiej Jankowski is increasingly active in the market and sources describe him as "a talented practitioner."

THE FIRM Dispute resolution remains one of this firm's core practice areas. The team acts on a broad range of contentious matters, including arbitration, corporate and commercial litigation, as well as disputes in the energy sector.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Grzegorz Woźniak is the key contact for clients in this practice area.